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Killhope The North of England Lead Mining Museum is a multi-award winning attraction and is situated 450 metres (1500 feet) above sea level in Upper Weardale within the stunning North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
With breath taking scenery, underground adventure, hands on activities, fascinating lead mining history, woodland walks and amazing flora and wildlife, there is so much to do and see for all the family.
On the site try your hand as a Washer Boy on the Washing Floor, and see what minerals you can find in the silt - maybe shiny pieces of galena (lead ore), quartz or fluorspar. Marvel at our iconic Armstrong Water Wheel and explore the Jigger House, Blacksmiths, Mine Agents office and Lodging shop where miners might have to stay especially during winter months! Get kitted up in wellingtons, hard hat and lamp to go on a memorable underground adventure into Park Level Mine with one of our knowledgeable guides and learn about the harsh working conditions of the miners. Unfortunately mine tours are unsuitable for children under 4 years and therefore we make no charge for their admission.
Meander around the paths on site and venture into the woods and Hazely Hush to enjoy different views of the site, Weardale landscape and ancient mining techniques as well as our wonderful flora and wildlife. You may even be lucky and see our Red Squirrels.
The Visitor Centre is all on ground level and includes our Exciting Exhibition introduced 2014 "Led Here by Lead" which gives an insight into the working and social lives of lead miners and their families in Victorian Upper Weardale. It explains the geology of the area and the minerals found. There is an Audio Visual of the story of Killhope and our magnificent and unique collection of Spar Boxes - a folk craft popular amongst the miners. Browse the gift shop and enjoy a cuppa and home cooked food in the cafe to complete a wonderful day out. Museum open daily between 1 April and 1 November 2015 11am - 5pm. Cafe open daily 10.30 - 5pm
Although parts of the site are rough underfoot, the site is partly accessible with ramps to the buildings and washing floor. The visitor centre and its facilities are all fully accessible. An electric mobility scooter is available for use but it is suggested that this is booked in advance of a planned visit. Car parking is free with Disabled Parking reserved spaces close to the visitor centre entrance.
Even in summer it is advisable to wear warm clothing and sensible footwear to make the most of your visit.
We offer discounts for visitors who arrive by public transport or bicycle. Group visits are welcome - please contact the museum to make arrangements
Dogs are welcome on site but need to be kept on a lead
Please consult our Website for 2015 programme of events and childrens workshops.
A fully priced ticket to the site is valid for 12 months from date of purchase.

About Killhope Lead Mining Museum

Killhope The North of England Lead Mining Museum is a multi-award winning attraction and is situated 450 metres (1500 feet) above sea level in Upper Weardale within the stunning North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
With breath taking scenery, underground adventure, hands on activities, fascinating lead mining history, woodland walks and amazing flora and wildlife, there is so much to do and see for all the family.
On the site try your hand as a Washer Boy on the Washing Floor, and see what minerals you can find in the silt - maybe shiny pieces of galena (lead ore), quartz or fluorspar. Marvel at our iconic Armstrong Water Wheel and explore the Jigger House, Blacksmiths, Mine Agents office and Lodging shop where miners might have to stay especially during winter months! Get kitted up in wellingtons, hard hat and lamp to go on a memorable underground adventure into Park Level Mine with one of our knowledgeable guides and learn about the harsh working conditions of the miners. Unfortunately mine tours are unsuitable for children under 4 years and therefore we make no charge for their admission.
Meander around the paths on site and venture into the woods and Hazely Hush to enjoy different views of the site, Weardale landscape and ancient mining techniques as well as our wonderful flora and wildlife. You may even be lucky and see our Red Squirrels.
The Visitor Centre is all on ground level and includes our Exciting Exhibition introduced 2014 "Led Here by Lead" which gives an insight into the working and social lives of lead miners and their families in Victorian Upper Weardale. It explains the geology of the area and the minerals found. There is an Audio Visual of the story of Killhope and our magnificent and unique collection of Spar Boxes - a folk craft popular amongst the miners. Browse the gift shop and enjoy a cuppa and home cooked food in the cafe to complete a wonderful day out. Museum open daily between 1 April and 1 November 2015 11am - 5pm. Cafe open daily 10.30 - 5pm
Although parts of the site are rough underfoot, the site is partly accessible with ramps to the buildings and washing floor. The visitor centre and its facilities are all fully accessible. An electric mobility scooter is available for use but it is suggested that this is booked in advance of a planned visit. Car parking is free with Disabled Parking reserved spaces close to the visitor centre entrance.
Even in summer it is advisable to wear warm clothing and sensible footwear to make the most of your visit.
We offer discounts for visitors who arrive by public transport or bicycle. Group visits are welcome - please contact the museum to make arrangements
Dogs are welcome on site but need to be kept on a lead
Please consult our Website for 2015 programme of events and childrens workshops.
A fully priced ticket to the site is valid for 12 months from date of purchase.

This mine museum is set in very high, beautiful countryside and the drive was an absolute treat. We were on our way from Stanhope to Alston, so the mine was en route and as we approached it we could see the various mine features and...More

Ask johnhouston2 about Killhope Lead Mining Museum

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

MariaKillhope1853, Manager at Killhope Lead Mining Museum, responded to this reviewResponded 5 January 2018

We take on board your comments and hope you are able to visit us this season which starts on Friday 30th March 2018.

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A stunning drive over moorland with the mist hanging above heather took us to what felt like the middle of nowhere. What an incredible setting - the claggy weather just added to the atmosphere in this once thriving industrial dale.
The museum painted a vivid...More

Ask a question about Killhope Lead Mining Museum

Thank Jacki P

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

MariaKillhope1853, Manager at Killhope Lead Mining Museum, responded to this reviewResponded 5 January 2018

It is good to hear that the play area was a hit with your son and that you managed to see our wonderful red squirrels. Thanks for the excellent review and hope you are able to visit us again this coming season.

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We noticed the signs for the lead mine whilst out and about and decided to visit.
Took a while to get there but was well worth the trip.
Very comprehensive and informative displays in the museum.Small but good cafe and gift shop.
The trip into...More

Ask DOTTICAT about Killhope Lead Mining Museum

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

MariaKillhope1853, Manager at Killhope Lead Mining Museum, responded to this reviewResponded 5 January 2018

We are glad you made the trip and enjoyed your visit. We look forward to your return visit.

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A fascinating insight into the lives of the communities who toiled in this bleak but stunning landscape. The mineral collections are fascinating and gorgeous in their own right and the displays are clearly and helpfully labelled. The water wheel is worth the drive on its...More

Ask Ron B about Killhope Lead Mining Museum

Thank Ron B

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

MariaKillhope1853, Manager at Killhope Lead Mining Museum, responded to this reviewResponded 5 January 2018

We are very proud of our collection and the award winning Armstrong wheel. It is lovely to hear that you appreciated the industrial heritage and value of the site. Thank you for your excellent review and hope that you are able to visit again in...More

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Located in the beautiful Wear Valley, this is an amazing little museum. It tells you a lot about the lead (galena) mining industry. The mine tour is a must unless you are claustrophobic. Wellies, hats and lights provided; and jackets if needed. Everyone is very...More

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Ask Eat-it-up-wor-Edna about Killhope Lead Mining Museum

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

MariaKillhope1853, Manager at Killhope Lead Mining Museum, responded to this reviewResponded 5 January 2018

Thank you for your complimentary review. We glad you enjoyed your visit and hope to see you again in 2018. It is well worth taking a good three hours at least to make sure you see everything we have on site.

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Didn't know what to expect when visiting here. Joined the mine tour, not quite what I was expecting after donning wellington boots, waterproof coat, hard hat and a torch but I soon found out! We trudged through about 10 inches of water for quite a...More

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Ask Paul J about Killhope Lead Mining Museum

Thank Paul J

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

MariaKillhope1853, Manager at Killhope Lead Mining Museum, responded to this reviewResponded 5 January 2018

Glad you enjoyed your visit and that the red squirrels were around for you see.
Thanks for the lovely review.

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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC

This little gem of a day out is well worth a stop off.
Staff very friendly and helpful- mine trip a must do whilst there.
Plenty to keep the young ones entertained for probably 4 hours- take a picnic and enjoy.

Ask Gwen H about Killhope Lead Mining Museum

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

MariaKillhope1853, Manager at Killhope Lead Mining Museum, responded to this reviewResponded 15 September 2017

We are so pleased you enjoyed your visit and you make a great point about bringing a picnic which is something we are going to encourage next season during National Picnic Week!!

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My wife and I came here 10 years ago and have been meaning to come back for a while. It has not changed a huge amount but is still an unusual and first rate attraction. Before you travel check on the times of the mine...More

Ask sheepygold about Killhope Lead Mining Museum

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

MariaKillhope1853, Manager at Killhope Lead Mining Museum, responded to this reviewResponded 19 September 2017

We are so pleased you enjoyed your visit, we often find people do not realise just how engaging the site can be and the amount of time you can spend here. If you are eagle eyed and patient you can sometimes spot the squirrels around...More

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This museum is both indoors with displays and outdoors with lots of working models such as the water wheel and the washing floor. All were well explained and interesting.
Don't be discouraged. Take the underground tour. My husband hates going into caves but this was...More

Ask Suzanne2303 about Killhope Lead Mining Museum

1 Thank Suzanne2303

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

MariaKillhope1853, Manager at Killhope Lead Mining Museum, responded to this reviewResponded 15 September 2017

Thanks for your review, a lot of people can be apprehensive about the underground trip but find it a lot more enjoyable than they imagined!!

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Killhope Lead Mining museum made a great stopping-off point on the way back home to Scotland from my native north east, though I can heartily recommend it as a destination in itself.
The site has been brilliantly preserved, included the huge water-wheel, and interpretation is...More

Ask Steve B about Killhope Lead Mining Museum

Thank Steve B

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

MariaKillhope1853, Manager at Killhope Lead Mining Museum, responded to this reviewResponded 15 September 2017

The cafe has been getting rave reviews this season as always, I will pass on your appreciation! You make an excellent point about how difficult the conditions were for the miners after seeing the buildings and especially after the underground trip.

Report response as inappropriateThank you. We appreciate your input.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC